Is Heat roster still lacking?

ASK IRA:

March 22, 2014|By Ira Winderman, SunSentinel.com

Q: Caron Butler and Danny Granger have always been known more as offensive players, skilled with the ball in their hands. Considering Michael Beasley fits that description as well, and barely plays, wouldn't Butler/Granger have been rather redundant? Seems to me that someone who can defend wings and hit the occasional three would be more needed. Anyone out there similar to DeShawn Stevenson, minus the history and baggage? -- Adrian.

A: Well, that could be Stephen Jackson, although he might have as much luggage as anyone out there. But I do agree, it would be nice to have one more defensive wing. Keep an eye on the players coming back from China, with the season just about over there.

Q: There is no way Smush Parker would have been allowed to wear that black mask that LeBron James wore. -- David.

A: Although Smush might have needed it when trying to get his car out of the valet lot.

March 1, 2014

Q: What are your thoughts on Caron Butler not coming to Miami and where it leaves us? I assume he chose Oklahoma City because of playing time, and I know we are playing great as of late, but do you feel we need help to beat the Pacers in the conference finals? -- Dennis.

A: My thoughts are that playing time trumped sentimentality for Caron, and that Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra couldn't guarantee anything more than the "Mike Miller role." The fact that Caron still embraces the challenge at age 33 says plenty. Good for him. As for needing help to beat the Pacers, all the Heat need is health, like the Dwyane Wade we've seen over the past week. The Heat still are in a position of strength when it comes to putting up their best against the Pacers' best.

Q: So, is this hand the Heat play? Don’t get me wrong, I love this team and absolutely believe we have the best starting five in the NBA, but I worry about our bench. What if Wade or Shane Battier or Birdman, gets hurt? Another defensive player would have been nice. -- Chet.

A: Sure, more might have been better, but the playoffs are when the rotation tightens. At times, it's easy to overlook that Udonis Haslem, Rashard Lewis and James Jones are still here. There are options available.

Q: It looks like the Heat aren't getting anybody at the deadline. -- Jeffrey.

A: There is no deadline. While Saturday is the deadline for players to be released to be playoff eligible elsewhere, any player who has not been in the league this season or already has been out of the league still can sign at any point until the final day of the regular season to be playoff eligible. There are plenty of veterans out there waiting for a call, sort of like the one the Wizards just made to Drew Gooden. If the Heat have to have someone, they'll find someone. The only real problem is if someone gets hurt during the playoffs. Then there practically is no recourse.

February 28, 2014

Q: Have the three straight losses by Oklahoma City put MVP back up for grabs. Although, I still thought LeBron was the leader. -- Dee.

A: Look, anyone who had committed their MVP vote to either LeBron James or Kevin Durant before the start of March didn't deserve a vote in the first place. And it's not only about LeBron and Durant. Paul George could still have a say in this, as well. Heck, if Carmelo Anthony can lift the Knicks to the playoffs, that might make him more valuable than any player in the league (although that might be a challenge too great for any mere mortal). MVP is not about Player of the Week or three-game losing streaks. It's about a sustained body of work over the six-month marathon that is the regular season (and if it were up to me, would include the playoffs, as well). Right now, I couldn't delineate between LeBron and Durant, but I suspect these final seven weeks of the season will provide the needed answers. I do know this: It would have been hard to look at LeBron's performance Thursday and not count him as a contender, or perhaps again frontrunner.

Q: What do you think about the possibilities of the Heat getting Carmelo Anthony this offseason? -- Vic.

A: I know some might claim the math could work even if LeBron, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh stay, but I just don't see it. It would be far more likely if one of the big three (other than LeBron) were to leave, and even then the salary cap could make it a difficult proposition. If Carmelo wants to play alongside another star and still receive a superstar salary, then alongside Derrick Rose in Chicago or Kyrie Irving in Cleveland would make more sense. I do know that after Thursday, it's well within reason that Carmelo just might up and leave New York.

Q: What do you think about the possibility of the Heat signing Jimmer Fredette? -- Bu.

A: Considering the Heat can't find minutes, or even an active role for James Jones, I don't see them adding a 3-point specialist with minimal redeeming defensive qualities. There are far greater needs, including someone who can defend on the wing.